Special Aquatics - For children with special needs from 5 to 12 years of age
The sport of swimming is among the most popular sports in the world today. Swimming, unlike other sports activities, is a life skill that is taught first to ensure the safety of the person, and secondly for sports and competitive purposes. People with disabilities who pursue aquatics become successful swimmers and competitors.
Children with special needs are taught aquatic techniques that develop their coordination, physical fitness and sense of accomplishment. Aquatics is a lifetime skill for both sports and fitness. Special Aquatics consistently stresses the well-being of the athlete and fairness in competition. They are taught how to progress through the four competitive strokes and the medley event. The program presents athletes with instruction on how to arrange a basic training program for maximum efficiency. They are taught to design a program with the goal of obtaining an advanced level of fitness, and encouraged to have an attitude of success through personal achievement.
Special Aquatics believes the best way to get a person interested in aquatics is to get them into the swimming pool. The program works with non-skilled or low-skilled swimmers from an observer to a competitor. Special Olympics presents skills to people with disabilities in an order that ensures the athlete immediate and tangible results. The skills the athlete obtains progress as their interests grow. Coaches for the aquatics program teach and coach skills which best suit the individual and their needs.
This program is offered in conjuction with several Glendale organizations and is offered on a regular basis througout the year. To join and for more information please contact the center at 818-240-2750.